Chapter Text
The morning free practice session at the circuit felt different from usual. Not only because of the roar of engines welcoming the day again, but because it was Charles' first day back on track after his maternity leave. The air felt warmer, as if even the asphalt was holding its breath, waiting for the moment when that car would finally run again with the same name inside it. The small Leclerc-Verstappen family arrived in full formation, a convoy of love moving side by side with a racing world that never stopped turning.
Oscar held Max’s hand with bright excitement, while Tim was in Max's arms, his eyes sparkling at the crowd. Baby Ollie, still too small to understand the world, slept peacefully in Charles' embrace, as if he knew that the heartbeat he had heard since the womb was now beating again in its natural habitat.
The crew who saw them smiled spontaneously. Even some mechanics, usually as calm as the pit lane walls, waved their hands.
In the hospitality area, their presence immediately drew attention.
Warm smiles, sincere greetings, and light jokes flowed from people who had long been part of their lives.
Laurent Mekies (the new Red Bull Team Principal) greeted them first, looking at the small family with an admiration he could hardly hide. "Full formation," he said, nodding slowly. "Looks like this isn't just a comeback to the track, but also a comeback as the most solid family team in the paddock."
Frédéric Vasseur (the new Ferrari Team Principal) joined in, smiling at Ollie sleeping peacefully.
"And much harder to beat," he said casually. "Because what they bring isn't just speed... but love."
Charles only smiled slightly when he heard that, a faint blush rising on his cheeks.
Max, of course, responded in his usual way, lightly patting Charles' shoulder, as if saying without words: see? even the paddock knows you're my home.
That day, the hospitality area turned more alive than usual.
The sound of small children echoed between briefing tables, blending with the aroma of coffee, crew laughter, and footsteps that felt lighter than usual.
Oscar, with full dedication, sat on the sofa holding a small tablet filled with racing car drawings he had colored himself. "This is Papa's car," he told anyone willing to look. "And this one is Daddy's. But Papa's car has to be faster, okay."
Max, hearing that, raised an eyebrow. "Wow, that's dangerous team politics," he muttered dramatically, making Charles laugh while covering his face with his hand.
Tim, sitting on Max's lap, tapped the small table repeatedly, as if giving approval to his brother's argument. Meanwhile Ollie, the tiny baby who had only known the world for a few weeks, slept peacefully, unaware that he was technically already the youngest spectator on the grid.
The media watching that moment almost forgot they were in the most competitive racing environment in the world. Cameras followed every step of the small family, not because of sensation, but because their warmth was too real to be ignored.
Someone from the media even whispered, "They're like the paddock version of happily ever after."
Approaching the free practice session, Charles prepared to put on his racing suit.
Max stood behind him, straightening his collar with a gentle movement that contrasted with his on-track image.
"Ready to be back?" Max asked softly.
Charles nodded.
"Always ready... as long as you're here."
Max smiled faintly, then whispered,
"We're not just here. We're your home."
As Charles and Max walked toward their respective garages, the paddock atmosphere felt different.
Not tense. Not full of pressure. But warm, as if the track that day was not only an arena of competition, but also a small stage for a family that had taken many life corners and kept driving forward together.
Max smirked and whispered something to Charles as they walked side by side.
"Don't be surprised if I bother you on track," he murmured. "Consider it... an official welcome."
Charles chuckled. "You never change."
"No," Max replied lightly. "I just want to make sure you're really back. The best way is... teasing you like usual."
They parted ways toward their own team garages.
Free practice began.
Charles put on his helmet slowly. His movements were calm, but his eyes held a glow that had long been absent, the glow of someone finally returning home to the place that shaped him. Max was also ready with his gear.
Suddenly Charles' face was caught by the camera and appeared on the screen. Max saw it. He watched Charles for a few seconds longer than he should have, as if wanting to make sure this wasn't a dream, that the man he loved was truly standing back on the track, whole, strong, and still his.
One by one, the cars launched out like arrows released from their bows. When Charles' car finally joined the track, the world seemed to slow down one second longer just for him.
In the first corner, he was still adjusting his rhythm. His hands were steady on the wheel, but his breath was slightly deeper than usual. It had been a long time since he truly felt the vibration of the track like this, not as a guest, but as a full part of the never-ending dance.
A few seconds later, a dark blue car appeared in his mirrors.
Max.
Not overtaking immediately. No.
He only appeared, then disappeared slightly, then appeared again, as if deliberately playing hide and seek.
Charles' radio spoke first.
"Charles, everything okay? Take it easy with the rhythm, we're just warming up," said Bryan Bozzi, Charles' race engineer.
Charles chuckled softly.
"Yes, I know. But the one behind me seems to have other plans."
On another radio, Gianpiero 'GP' Lambiase, Max's race engineer, immediately responded with an amused tone, "Max, remember this is a relaxed session. No need to create drama in the first two minutes."
Max replied casually, his voice clearly full of a smile.
"I'm not creating drama. I'm just greeting my husband who just came back to work."
Several people in the garage couldn’t hold back small laughs when they heard that.
On track, Max finally moved closer on Charles' left side through a long corner. Not to truly pass, just close enough for Charles to glimpse his helmet slightly turning, like a silent wave.
Charles accelerated a little.
Max immediately accelerated as well.
Charles slowed down in the next corner.
Max slowed too.
Charles' radio came alive again, this time with a half-resigned tone, "He's copying everything you do."
Charles smiled. "Yes, that's been his hobby since forever."
The next few laps turned into a small game that grew more and more endearing. Charles deliberately took a slightly wider line into one corner, Max followed the same line. Charles pressed the throttle earlier in the next turn, Max waited half a second, then did the same, as if saying, I'm here, I see everything.
"Max, you're too close," GP's voice came again, slightly more serious but still warm.
"Relax," Max replied lightly. "I'm just making sure he's not lonely."
Charles finally returned the teasing. In a fast corner, he accelerated earlier than usual, opening a few meters' gap ahead of Max. But before Max could truly close in again, Charles deliberately eased off slightly on the following straight, just enough for Max to catch up and run side by side.
Two cars drove next to each other for several seconds that felt like a romantic film scene in the racing world.
Max's radio came alive again, a small laugh audible behind it.
"You do realize he's deliberately waiting for you, right?"
Max answered shortly, softly, almost like a whisper,
"Yes. He's always like that."
Then Max pressed the pedal a little deeper, passing Charles smoothly, not aggressive, not challenging, just like someone running slightly ahead then glancing back to make sure their partner was still following.
On the next lap, Charles did the same, passing Max with a clean and elegant move.
"Charles, that was very neat," Bryan praised.
Charles laughed softly.
"I'm just returning the greeting."
The next laps became a dance only the two of them understood. Not an aggressive duel, not a real fight for position, more like a silent conversation between two drivers who had gone through so many seasons of life together. Sometimes Max ahead, sometimes Charles ahead. Just two people who knew each other too well, even down to how they took corners. As if the track that day was not a competition arena, but their private playground.
In the small grandstand near the pit wall, Oscar jumped up and down excitedly, clapping every time the two cars appeared close together.
"Papa! Daddy! Look! They're together on track!"
Tim laughed along, copying his brother's hand movements even though he didn't fully understand what was happening.
Finally, the radio voices of both drivers came almost simultaneously.
"Alright, that's enough for this session. Return to the pit."
Charles took a long breath.
"Copy."
On Max's radio, the tone sounded softer, gentler,
"Yes, that's enough. He's back."
Their cars slowed together, entering the pit lane with a distance that never truly grew far. From the outside, it might have looked like two drivers simply finishing a normal practice session. But for them, it was more than just a few laps on track. It was a wordless conversation, an embrace carried out at high speed.
As all the cars returned to the pits, Max hurried out of the cockpit, removed his helmet, and walked toward Charles' garage. He walked closer without hesitation, like gravity that never failed to find its center.
Charles stepped out of the car, his breathing slightly heavy, his eyes shining.
Before he could say anything, Max was already standing in front of the garage, opening both his arms.
Charles laughed softly, then hugged him tightly in front of everyone, in the middle of cameras that kept clicking.
"I'm back," Charles whispered quietly.
"I missed you. Welcome back, schatje," Max replied without letting go of the embrace.
The atmosphere inside Charles's room in the Ferrari motorhome was far livelier. Oscar sat on the sofa clutching his iPad, utterly absorbed in a racing game. Beside him, Tim drummed eagerly on the small table, mimicking the sound of engines in his toddler dialect: "Vroom! Vroom!"
Baby Ollie, cradled in his nanny's arms, simply stared at the television with wide, luminous eyes, occasionally bursting into laughter without quite knowing why, perhaps merely catching the current of joy that filled the room.
Not long after, the door opened.
Charles entered first.
Oscar immediately jumped down from the sofa and sprinted toward him.
"Papa! Papa was so cool out there!"
Charles dropped to one knee and wrapped him in a warm embrace. "Really?"
Oscar nodded with solemn conviction. "But Daddy kept bothering Papa the whole time!"
From behind them, Max, who had just stepped inside, arched an eyebrow.
"Daddy wasn't bothering. Daddy was motivating."
Oscar folded his little arms with exaggerated seriousness.
"That's called bothering... with love."
Max and Charles both broke into laughter.
Max stepped closer and kissed the crown of Oscar's head.
"In that case, Daddy will keep bothering Papa like that, alright?"
Charles murmured softly, "I wouldn't mind."
Max settled onto the carpeted floor with Oscar, explaining the circuit layout using Oscar's toy cars as if conducting a full race briefing. Charles sat on the sofa, calmly nursing Ollie, chuckling every so often at how intensely Max treated what was, in truth, a child's game.
Tim toddled closer, then crouched down and rammed his tiny car into the one Oscar was holding.
"Crash!" he exclaimed gleefully.
Max gasped theatrically.
"Oh no! We have an incident!"
Charles covered his mouth, stifling a laugh.
"A minor incident. No drama needed."
Oscar turned to Max with an innocent, earnest face.
"Daddy, you're not allowed to be mad. This is just practice."
Max nodded with exaggerated gravity.
"Correct. This is only practice. What matters is that everyone stays happy."
Charles watched them, his heart swelling in a way words could scarcely contain. Just weeks ago, he had been at home, cradling their newborn. Now he was back at the circuit, and his small family was here with him, complete, noisy, and wonderfully alive.
Evening slowly surrendered to night, and the paddock's earlier frenzy softened into a gentler hum. The hospitality lights glowed warmly, reflecting off the polished floors like a quiet stage for the family who, without realizing it, had become the emotional center of the entire race weekend.
Inside Charles's room, Oscar had already changed into his small hoodie, now seated at the table, diligently drawing with his crayons. The lines were messy, enthusiastic, brimming with imagination. Beside him, Tim leaned half-asleep against his baby chair, munching on a biscuit with grave concentration, as if it were a task of great importance. Meanwhile, Ollie, freshly fed, slept peacefully in Charles's arms, his breathing soft and rhythmic.
Charles sat almost perfectly still, afraid that even the slightest movement might wake the youngest. His face showed traces of exhaustion, yet there was peace there too, the kind of peace that only follows a long, meaningful day.
The door opened slowly.
Max stepped inside carrying two cups of something warm. His pace instinctively softened the moment he saw Ollie asleep against Charles's chest.
"For my husband who performed beautifully today," he whispered, offering one of the cups.
Charles smiled faintly. "It was only practice."
Max sat beside him, his voice just as quiet.
"Yes... but practice that made everyone smile. That's harder than simply being fast."
Charles shook his head, though a faint blush colored his cheeks.
"You also didn't stop teasing me on track."
Max pretended to consider this carefully.
"That wasn't teasing. That was... a special welcome."
Charles raised an eyebrow. "A welcome that nearly made me laugh inside the car?"
Max chuckled softly.
"If you laughed, it means you're comfortable again."
The sentence was simple, yet it stilled Charles for a moment. He looked down at the sleeping Ollie, then at Oscar still immersed in his drawing, and Tim who was now beginning to grow drowsy.
"I do feel comfortable," he admitted at last. "Because all of you are here."
At the table, Oscar suddenly lifted his drawing high into the air.
"Look! This is all of us!"
Max and Charles turned at the same time.
The picture showed four figures: one with blond hair (Max), one with brown hair (Charles), one taller child (Oscar), one smaller (Tim), and a round baby in the middle (Ollie). Above them floated what was supposed to be a car, though it looked suspiciously like a long loaf of bread with wheels.
Max bit back a laugh.
"Is that a car or a sandwich?"
Oscar stared at him seriously.
"It's a super-fast car... but the family version."
Charles laughed softly, careful not to wake Ollie.
"A family version super-fast car has to go slow when there's a baby."
Oscar nodded with solemn conviction, as if it were one of the world's fundamental laws.
"If there's a baby, everyone must be careful."
Max gently patted Oscar's head.
"That's a very good rule."
Not long after, Tim yawned widely and rubbed his eyes. Oscar immediately stood and patted his little brother's shoulder with exaggerated maturity.
"Tim is sleepy. We have to go back to the hotel."
Max leaned closer to Charles and whispered,
"He's like a tiny team manager."
Charles replied softly,
"And you're a driver who can't argue with your team manager."
Max feigned surrender.
"I always obey the team manager at home."
A few moments later, as the children were readied to leave, the room gradually grew quieter. The nanny carried Tim out first, followed by Oscar who still clutched his drawing tightly to his chest.
For a brief while, only Max and Charles remained in the corner of the room, with Ollie still asleep in Charles's arms.
Max stood near the large window, gazing out at the now-empty circuit, dark except for distant lights. He inhaled slowly before speaking without turning around.
"It feels strange, doesn't it... the same track, but everything feels different now."
Charles approached carefully, still cradling Ollie with the utmost gentleness.
"Before, we came here only to race."
Max nodded.
"Now we come... with a traveling home."
Charles smiled warmly.
"And that home is very noisy."
Max laughed quietly.
"Noisy, but I would never trade it for anything."
Charles studied his husband's profile, illuminated by the glow of the night lights.
"Neither would I."
Silence followed, yet not an awkward silence, but one full of meaning, like a steady breath taken before continuing a long journey.
At last, Max turned to face him, his gaze soft.
"Another session tomorrow. Are you ready?"
Charles nodded firmly.
"I'm ready. But on one condition."
"What is it?"
Charles gave a small, mischievous grin.
"Don't give me too many 'special welcomes' on track."
Max pretended to think, then sighed dramatically.
"Alright. I'll only bother you in moderation."
Charles tried to suppress a laugh.
"That doesn't sound convincing."
Max stepped closer, lowering his voice so as not to wake Ollie.
"Don't worry. Whatever happens on track... in the end, we still go home together."
Charles held his gaze for a long moment, then nodded softly.
And out there, the circuit might be waiting for speed, cheers, and rivalry. But inside that small room, what they were guarding was not merely victory, it was something far calmer, warmer, and infinitely more important: the home they carried with them wherever they went.
That night in the hotel room, the atmosphere was quiet, almost too quiet for a race weekend. The children were already asleep: Tim first, followed by Ollie who drifted back to sleep after a short feeding session, while Oscar had finally surrendered to drowsiness, clutching tightly his drawing of the "super-fast family car."
In the living area of the suite, only Max and Charles remained. Dim lights, two cups of warm tea on the table, and the kind of comfortable silence that comes after a long day.
Charles had just rested his head on Max's shoulder when a knock sounded on the door.
Max frowned.
"At this hour?"
Charles whispered, "Maybe it's urgent."
Max rose carefully so as not to wake anyone, then opened the door.
On the threshold stood two figures who looked... tense yet glowing at the same time.
Alex and George.
"Come in," Max said, stepping aside to let them enter.
He closed the door behind them.
Alex was holding something in his hand, a small box, now open. George stood beside him with an expression that tried to stay calm but failed to hide his wide smile.
Max blinked twice.
"...What did I miss?"
Curious, Charles approached as well. The moment his eyes caught the ring on George's finger, he covered his mouth, caught between shock and emotion.
"Alex..." Charles's voice softened, "don't tell me-"
George lifted his hand slightly, showing the ring shyly yet proudly.
"We're... officially engaged."
For a fraction of a second, the room fell silent.
Then Max exclaimed in a hushed but thrilled voice, careful not to wake the children, "ARE YOU SERIOUS?!"
Charles immediately hugged George first, gently but full of emotion.
"Mon dieu... congratulations! This is incredible!"
Max clapped Alex's shoulder firmly, almost too firmly that Alex staggered a little.
"Finally! I thought you'd wait until we retired from racing!"
Alex laughed nervously.
"I was waiting for the right moment..."
George cut in with a mischievous smile,
"He said if he could propose during a race weekend, it meant he was brave enough to face anything after that."
Max nodded in admiration.
"That's a very dangerous logic... but romantic."
Charles held George's hand again, his eyes glistening.
"I'm so, so happy for both of you."
Alex and George exchanged a glance, then Alex drew a breath.
"Actually... there's one more thing we wanted to ask."
Max crossed his arms, pretending to be serious as if in a team meeting.
"An important question? Does this require strategy or just courage?"
George chuckled softly.
"More like... family permission."
Charles frowned gently.
"Permission?"
Alex stepped a little closer, his voice softer now, full of hope.
"We want to get married this year, during the summer break... and we were thinking..."
He paused briefly, then glanced toward the children's room.
"...we'd like Oscar to be the ring bearer at our wedding."
The room went quiet again, this time not from shock, but from a tenderness that slowly filled the air.
Charles instinctively turned toward the bedroom door, as if he could see his eldest son through it.
"Oscar...?"
Max also fell silent for a moment. Usually quick with jokes, now he looked genuinely touched.
"You're... sure?" Max asked softly. "He's still little. Sometimes he's very confident... sometimes suddenly shy."
George smiled warmly.
"That's exactly why we want him. He brings joy wherever he goes."
Alex added,
"And he's part of my little brother... which means he's also part of me."
Charles closed his eyes for a moment, taking a deep breath, holding back the warmth swelling in his chest.
"He'll be so proud to hear this..."
Max finally smiled wide, though his eyes shimmered faintly.
"In that case... we'll have to ask our little team manager directly tomorrow morning."
George laughed quietly.
"Final approval from Oscar, then?"
Max nodded firmly.
"Of course. He takes important tasks very seriously."
Charles nodded with a soft smile.
"But from us... we're honored. Truly."
Alex exhaled in relief, his shoulders dropping slightly as if a heavy weight had lifted.
"Thank you... that means a lot to us."
Suddenly, from the direction of the bedroom came a small voice, hoarse with sleep.
"Papa...?"
Everyone turned at once.
Oscar stood at the doorway, hair messy, hugging his small stuffed toy. He rubbed his eyes, confused to see so many people outside his room.
Max immediately knelt to greet him.
"Hey, team manager. You're awake?"
Oscar nodded slowly, then looked at George and Alex.
"Uncle Gie... Uncle Alby... why are you here so late?"
George crouched down to his level, his voice very gentle.
"Oscar... we want to tell you something important."
Oscar's expression turned serious, as if ready to receive a classified briefing.
Alex showed the ring on George's finger.
"I proposed to Uncle Gie. We're getting married."
Oscar's eyes widened instantly.
"Married? Like Papa and Daddy?"
Charles smiled warmly.
"Yes, mon prince. Like Papa and Daddy."
Oscar was silent for a few seconds... then broke into a huge grin.
"Waaah! That means there will be a party! And cake!"
Max stifled a laugh.
"Straight to the cake, huh."
George nodded dramatically.
"And we want you to have an important job at that party."
Oscar immediately stood up straighter.
"An important job?"
Alex spoke softly, full of hope,
"We want you to be our ring bearer."
Oscar froze again. This time longer. He looked at Papa, then Daddy, as if making sure this wasn't a dream.
"Really... I can?"
Charles nodded, his eyes gentle and full of pride.
"If you want to."
Oscar took a small breath, then nodded very firmly, his signature serious style.
"I want to. I will take very good care of the rings. I promise."
Everyone laughed softly, careful to keep Tim and Ollie asleep.
George gently patted Oscar's head.
"Thank you, champ. That's a very important job."
Oscar smiled proudly, then looked at Max and Charles.
"I have to practice walking slowly while carrying the rings, right?"
Max nodded seriously.
"Yes. Tomorrow we’ll practice in the hotel corridor. But no running, okay?"
Oscar gave a tiny thumbs-up.
"Okay!"
George, still crouching in front of Oscar, suddenly glanced at Alex, then looked back at the little boy with a tender expression.
"Oh, but there's one important condition, Mr. Ring Bearer," George whispered softly, lowering his voice as if this were truly a secret mission.
Oscar immediately whispered back, eyes wide with seriousness.
"What condition?"
Alex knelt beside George, placing his index finger in front of his lips.
"We haven't told everyone about the wedding yet. So... this is a secret for now, okay?"
Oscar covered his own mouth with both hands, shocked yet feeling trusted.
"A secret...?"
George nodded, dramatic yet warm.
"A special secret between us, Papa, Daddy, and you. Until the time comes for us to announce it ourselves."
Oscar looked toward Max and Charles for confirmation. Both smiled softly and nodded.
Max whispered, "A family-level secret mission. Can you handle it?"
Oscar inhaled deeply like a tiny agent accepting a national assignment, then nodded resolutely.
"I can. I won't tell anyone."
Alex smiled in relief and gently ruffled Oscar's hair.
"Thank you, champ. We trust you."
Oscar leaned closer, then whispered very softly, almost inaudible,
"I'll guard this secret... like I'll guard the rings later."
George and Alex exchanged a look, their hearts warming at the same time.
Max gently patted his son's shoulder.
"That's Papa and Daddy's boy. Can race, can also keep secrets."
Charles laughed softly, then carried Oscar back to bed, tucking him in gently. Before closing his eyes, Oscar whispered sleepily,
"Papa... I'm happy our family is getting bigger."
Charles kissed his forehead tenderly.
"Yes, sweetheart. Our family always grows... in beautiful ways."
Back in the living room, Max, George, and Alex remained standing in a warm silence.
Max finally wrapped an arm briefly around Alex's shoulder.
"You'll be alright."
George looked at the ring on his finger, then smiled sincerely.
"So this is how it feels... it really feels real."
That night, amid the bustle of a race weekend, another piece of joyful news added color to their family, no longer just about the track, but about home, and about a family that kept growing, not only by blood, but by love consciously chosen every single day.
Summer arrived like a long exhale after a dense sequence of races.
The summer break had finally come, and the Leclerc-Verstappen family calendar was no longer filled with simulation schedules, media sessions, or technical briefings. What remained was only one major agenda, pulsing quietly beneath all that silence:
Alex and George's wedding.
That morning, the airport felt like a secret waiting room for a group of people far too accustomed to living under camera spotlights. The difference was, this time they all tried to look... relaxed.
Max walked at the very front, wearing dark sunglasses, one hand protectively holding Charles's while the other carried Tim. Charles looked elegant even in simplicity, while Oscar walked between them, holding his small stuffed toy and occasionally hopping with excitement. Baby Ollie was in Charles's arms, sleeping soundly, unaware that he was part of the family's most secret mission.
Not long after, the rest of the group arrived.
Sebastian came with his signature calm smile, one hand patting Max's shoulder like a father making sure everything was going according to plan. Behind him, Kimi walked casually, carrying a small bag as if this were just an ordinary weekend trip.
Pierre and Yuki arrived together, whispering to each other and occasionally chuckling. Fernando and Felipe followed, bringing with them a warm veteran aura. Daniel, of course, appeared the loudest, greeting Oscar with a dramatic hug that made the boy burst into loud laughter.
"This really is just a family vacation, right?" Daniel joked in a deliberately loud tone.
Max smirked faintly.
"A vacation. Very... relaxed."
Charles stifled a laugh, lowering his head so any cameras that might be lurking from afar wouldn't catch him.
And sure enough, media cameras were already waiting.
A few photographers who happened to be at the airport immediately grew excited upon seeing the large group gathering. Click after click echoed, capturing moments of Max carrying Tim, Charles smoothing Oscar’s hair, and Sebastian talking seriously with Fernando as if they were discussing race strategy.
Headlines began forming in their minds.
"Summer holiday of the great F1 family legends?"
"Leclerc-Verstappen Family Trip?"
No one suspected the real truth.
No one knew that inside those large suitcases were formal outfits and the season's most romantic surprise plan.
When they finally boarded the private jet, the atmosphere shifted instantly into something more intimate. No more camera flashes, no more public spotlight, only family and the happy secret they were guarding together.
Max settled into his seat, exhaling in relief for the first time since they arrived at the airport. Charles sat beside him, Ollie still asleep in his arms. Oscar sat across with Sebastian, who was telling a quiet story, while Tim played enthusiastically with the seatbelt.
"Montenegro," Charles whispered, almost like a prayer.
Max turned, looking at his husband with a warm, meaningful gaze.
"The perfect place to start their new chapter."
Charles smiled, then rested his head on Max’s shoulder.
"And for us... to rest for a while. No racing. No pressure. Just family."
Max reached for Charles's hand and held it tightly.
"Just family."
The aircraft engines began to hum softly, like the heartbeat of a giant accompanying their departure. Through the window, the runway stretched long, as if opening a path toward a bigger story.
No one realized that behind what looked like nothing more than a summer vacation, they were all flying toward a wedding that would unite two hearts and strengthen one big family that had long loved each other.
The Montenegrin sky welcomed them with a shade of blue that felt clearer than usual. The private jet landed smoothly on a small runway facing the sea. As soon as the aircraft door opened, a warm breeze drifted in, carrying the salty scent of the ocean and the calming fragrance of pine. It felt like stepping into a different world: far from the bustle of the paddock, far from camera flashes, far from everything they usually knew as "life."
At the foot of the aircraft stairs, George and Alex were already waiting.
Oscar jumped down first, full of excitement, almost like a little marshal ready to take duty at a secret circuit.
George waved first, his face bright though his eyes clearly held a sweet kind of nervousness. Beside him, Alex stood with his hands in his pockets, trying to look relaxed.
Oscar immediately ran toward them.
"UNCLE ALBY! UNCLE GIE!"
George knelt right away to greet him, pulling Oscar into a tight hug.
"Our best ring bearer has arrived," he whispered softly, full of secrecy.
Max stepped down carrying Tim, who instantly stared in awe at the sparkling sea in the distance. Charles followed, holding Ollie who was fast asleep in his arms.
Alex patted Max's shoulder warmly, then looked at Charles with a gentle, grateful smile.
"You all came... only now do I truly believe this is really happening," Alex said quietly.
Charles smiled, warm and reassuring.
"We wouldn't miss a moment this big."
The drive to the villa was short, but long enough to leave the children mesmerized by the vast stretch of sea outside. Oscar pressed his face against the car window, while Tim let out little sounds of awe every time he spotted a boat in the distance.
As the car turned into the villa grounds, everyone fell silent for a moment. The villa they had rented stood grandly on the edge of a cliff, facing directly toward the Adriatic Sea. The building was classic, with wide balconies and a garden filled with white flowers, calm, elegant, and perfectly suited for a wedding filled with love yet carefully shielded from the outside world.
The villa had already begun to be beautifully decorated.
White and pastel flowers adorned the garden, rows of chairs were being neatly arranged on the lawn, and small hanging lights were lined carefully along the balcony overlooking the sea. Everything felt elegant, romantic, and deeply personal, like pieces of George and Alex's hearts poured into the very shape of the place.
On the front terrace, two figures stood waiting to welcome them with a familiar, warm authority. They stood side by side, smiling with a quiet meaning in their eyes: Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg, George's parents.
One by one, the large group approached: Sebastian, Kimi, Pierre, Yuki, Fernando, Felipe, Daniel, followed by Max and Charles holding their children, Oscar clutching Max's hand, Tim in his arms, and Ollie asleep warmly in Charles’s embrace.
As the distance closed, Lewis opened his arms first, his laughter wide and sincere.
"Look who's here. It feels like a paddock reunion... but without helmets and without media pressure."
Sebastian chuckled softly as he shook their hands firmly.
"This time there's no race strategy. Only the strategy of making sure the grooms don't run away before the vows are spoken."
Nico laughed quietly, then pulled Sebastian into a warm hug.
"We usually meet while discussing car setups. Now... we're discussing wedding preparations."
Sebastian nodded casually, his soft smile unmistakable.
"This is far more nerve-wracking, honestly."
Kimi, standing slightly behind Sebastian, gave his usual brief nod before shaking Lewis's hand.
"Nice place," he commented flatly, yet warmly, Kimi's version of saying everything was perfect.
Fernando shook Lewis's hand while offering a faint smile.
"We usually gather to fight. Today we gather to celebrate."
Felipe added gently,
"And for the first time... no one cares who's the fastest."
"Thank you for coming," Lewis said with his signature warm smile.
After everyone greeted one another like a long-awaited family reunion, Lewis opened his arms wide, welcoming them inside.
"This house has been waiting for you. Think of it as the most peaceful paddock we've ever had."
Nico nodded warmly.
"And this time, the only finish line is the wedding altar."
With laughter, hugs, and footsteps filled with familiarity, the big family finally entered the villa, not as rivals, not as teammates, but as a family that had known each other for far too long... and now gathered to celebrate a love that would soon be vowed.
In the living room of the villa, which had now transformed into a small training arena, Oscar stood upright on the long cream-colored carpet, a carpet that, in his imagination, had turned into the most magnificent wedding aisle in the world.
In his hands was a small pillow where the rings would be placed tomorrow. He held it carefully with both hands, as if it were more fragile than a crystal trophy.
"Alright," Oscar said in a soft but serious voice, "I start from here... then walk slowly... slow... slow..."
He took one step.
Then stopped.
He looked to the right.
Looked to the left.
"What if I drop it?" he suddenly asked, his face instantly turning tense.
Max, who was sitting on the sofa, held back a laugh and raised an eyebrow dramatically.
"If it falls, that means you have to do a quick pit stop, pick it up, then keep walking like nothing happened."
Oscar thought very hard for two seconds, then nodded firmly.
"Okay. Good strategy, Dad."
Charles covered his face with his hands, his shoulders shaking as he tried not to laugh.
"Mon prince, this isn't a race. No one is going to overtake you in the wedding aisle."
Oscar immediately looked at him seriously.
"But what if Uncle Dany tries to overtake me?"
From the kitchen, Daniel instantly called out,
"HEY! I would never overtake the ring bearer!"
Everyone laughed, the atmosphere growing warmer.
Oscar returned to his starting position. This time he took a deep breath, his small chest rising like a driver waiting for the start lights to go out.
"Focus... this is an important mission," he murmured to himself.
He walked again.
One step.
Two steps.
Three steps.
This time more stable. More confident.
Tim, who was sitting on the carpet with his toys, clapped his tiny hands.
"Oca... Oca..." he called, trying to say his brother's name.
Oscar immediately stopped and turned, his eyes sparkling.
"I have my number one supporter!" he said proudly.
Charles nodded solemnly.
"Of course. The most loyal supporter."
Max then stood up, walked closer, and knelt in front of Oscar. He adjusted the position of the small pillow in his son's hands, making sure his grip was just right, not too tight.
"You don't need to walk perfectly," Max whispered gently.
"You only need to walk with a happy heart. That alone will make everyone smile."
Oscar looked at his Daddy for a long moment, then gave a small smile, a mix of nervousness and pride.
"If I succeed... Uncle Gie and Uncle Alby will be happy, right?"
"Not just them," Charles answered softly from behind, "we will all be very proud of you."
Oscar nodded with determination.
"Okay. I'll try again."
For the third time, he walked across the carpet. This time without stopping, without looking around. His small steps were steady, the ring pillow perfectly stable in his hands. When he reached the end, he stopped, turned around, and gave a small, very polite bow.
"I'm ready," he said with certainty.
Max and Charles exchanged a glance, their hearts quietly melting.
Max opened his arms wide.
"Come here, our proud ring bearer."
Oscar ran toward him and hugged him tightly, still carefully holding the ring pillow in one hand. Charles joined the embrace, while Tim crawled closer and clung to Max's leg, joining the warm family hug.
In the middle of the villa filled with laughter and love, that small rehearsal felt like more than just wedding preparation, it was a moment where a child learned about trust, responsibility, and how important his role was in the happiness of the people he loved.
Morning in Montenegro arrived with a gentle wash of sunlight, as if it deliberately held back its heat so the day would feel warmer than usual. The villa, which had been filled with laughter the night before, now turned into a place that was calm yet quietly racing with anticipation, the wedding day had finally come.
There was no excessive crowd.
No hundreds of guests.
Only family and closest friends who had long been witnesses to their journey, people who had met far too often on the track, now gathered to watch a finish line that, in truth, felt more like a brand-new starting line.
In the villa's back garden, wooden chairs were neatly arranged facing a simple altar decorated with white and cream flowers. The sea breeze drifted in softly, carrying a faint salty scent mixed with the fragrance of flowers that the staff had arranged since dawn.
Max stood beside Charles, one hand holding his husband's hand, the other cradling Ollie who slept peacefully against his chest. Tim stood near Max's leg, gripping his Daddy's trousers tightly, his round eyes widening at the beautiful decorations.
Oscar, on the other hand, looked extremely serious.
Today was the day of his big mission.
He wore a small cream suit, his hair neatly combed, and in his hands was already the little pillow holding the rings, he had not let go of it for even a second since he woke up.
"Papa..." he whispered softly to Charles, "I won't fall, right?"
Charles knelt down to match his son's height, gently straightening the tiny collar on Oscar's neck.
"It's okay to be a little nervous," he said softly. "What matters is that you walk with a happy heart."
Oscar nodded, then looked toward Max.
Max winked and whispered, "Just think of it as the walk to the most important finish line today."
Oscar let out a small laugh, his nerves easing just a little.
Not far from them, warm laughter was heard as Sebastian, Kimi, Daniel, Pierre, Yuki, Fernando, and Felipe chatted casually. They were all dressed formally, yet the atmosphere was far from stiff, more like a big family reunion that had simply chosen this day as an excuse to dress elegantly.
At the garden entrance, the long-awaited figure finally appeared.
Alex stood first, wearing an ivory white suit that made him look calm yet clearly holding emotion in his eyes. He walked toward the altar, occasionally waving at the guests. Not long after, George appeared at the entrance with a smile that never left his face, softer than usual, more honest, more meaningful.
The moment they saw each other from afar, the atmosphere fell into silence.
Not an awkward silence, but a warm one, a silence filled with the shared understanding that everyone there knew how long the journey had been to bring them to this moment.
Max tilted his head slightly toward Charles.
"Get ready," he whispered, "I wouldn't be surprised if we all start crying before they even say their vows."
Charles chuckled softly, though his eyes were already glistening.
"You'll definitely cry the hardest."
"Me?" Max raised an eyebrow dramatically. "I'm very calm."
At the same time, Ollie, still asleep in his arms, gave a tiny yawn, as if even a baby could sense the peace of that day.
Soft music began to play.
Not grand music, just a simple melody drifting gently through the open air.
Oscar straightened his posture instantly.
It was time.
He glanced once at Max and Charles. Both nodded in unison, their smiles full of encouragement and love. Tim waved his tiny hand, while Ollie remained fast asleep, completely unaware that the world was holding its breath.
With small yet steady steps, Oscar began walking down the garden aisle. He held the ring pillow firmly, his face filled with an unmistakable proud expression. George followed behind him.
All eyes traced every step he took.
Sebastian even whispered softly, "This is the most serious ring bearer I've ever seen."
Daniel added under his breath, "Serious... but incredibly adorable."
When Oscar reached the altar, he stopped perfectly, no stumbling, no rushing, exactly like yesterday's practice. He glanced briefly at George and Alex, then lifted the small pillow with both hands.
"The rings are safe," he said softly, but loud enough for both of them to hear.
George covered his mouth, holding back an emotional laugh.
Alex knelt for a moment and touched Oscar's shoulder.
"Thank you, champ. You did your job perfectly."
Oscar beamed widely, then ran back toward Max and Charles. The moment he arrived, he immediately hugged Max's leg.
"I didn’t fall!" he said proudly.
Max lifted him high into the air.
"Of course you didn't. You're the best ring bearer in the world."
Charles wrapped his arms around both of them, Tim hugged from below, while Ollie, finally awakened by the small commotion, babbled softly, as if offering his own approval.
In front of the altar, George and Alex now stood facing each other.
There were no giant spotlights.
No cheers from thousands of spectators.
Only family, friends, and the blue sky of Montenegro as witnesses.
And because of that, everything felt far more meaningful.
When they began reciting their vows, Max reached for Charles's hand tightly.
George's voice trembled slightly.
Alex let out small laughs between his emotional pauses.
Amid the warm atmosphere, Charles whispered softly,
"We once stood like that too, remember?"
Max turned to him, his eyes gentle.
"I remember. And I would choose you again... every single day."
Charles smiled, tightening his grip on his hand.
Around them, friends who usually fought wheel to wheel on track now sat side by side as family. There was no rivalry today, no strategies, no pressure, only soft laughter, misty eyes, and a warmth that filled the air.
That day was not merely a wedding day.
It was a celebration of a long journey, of friendships that grew into family, and of how the same track could carry so many hearts to the same finish line, a love that was calm, warm, and finally home.